StarTalk Podcast: Coronavirus & Conspiracy Theories, with Michael Shermer & Neil deGrasse Tyson

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  • Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
  • What’s the difference between being a skeptic and believing in conspiracy theories? How do you remain skeptical without falling down a rabbit hole? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice catch up with Michael Shermer, Founding Publisher of Skeptic Magazine and author of Giving the Devil His Due: Reflections from a Scientific Humanist, to explore conspiracy theories and the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Why do we need free speech? Michael shares the importance of giving everyone a voice and being able to listen. We discuss the consequences of spreading misinformation. You’ll hear why people are confused about what “freedom” actually entails. Michael tells us why the coronavirus is susceptible to conspiracy theories.
    Then, we answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Is it better to ignore or confront conspiracy theories? We investigate the need to have a full explanation of events and the idea that the size of the cause should match the size of the effect. Are religious people more prone to being conspiracy-minded?
    Michael explains how to sell the idea of skepticism successfully. Where is that line between healthy, cautious skepticism and believing in conspiracy theories? Find out more about the importance of experimentation in order to get to the truth. Discover why there might be a lot of hindsight bias over the next decade about how the world handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
    We discuss how China’s early lack of transparency fueled some of the coronavirus conspiracy theories. Lastly, you’ll hear some of the more outlandish conspiracy theories that Michael has come across. All that, plus, we end our show with a reminder about the importance and necessity of vaccines.
    Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
    Subscribe to StarTalk: ua-cam.com/users/startalk...
    Follow StarTalk:
    Twitter: / startalkradio
    Facebook: / startalk
    Instagram: / startalkradio
    About the prints that flank Neil in this video:
    "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston.
    For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver. inuit.com/
    About StarTalk:
    Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
    #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,8 тис.

  • @bdickins2190
    @bdickins2190 3 роки тому +6

    Don't you just love listening to INTELLIGENT people carry on intelligent conversations? Gives me hope for our future...

  • @PMW3
    @PMW3 3 роки тому +840

    "the reason we need free speech is because most of us are wrong" I like that

    • @smitabhandari9327
      @smitabhandari9327 3 роки тому +4

      ok

    • @Chungustav
      @Chungustav 3 роки тому +6

      Wrong

    • @garlandsmith3493
      @garlandsmith3493 3 роки тому +5

      @@Chungustav is this what I have heard as sarcasm...

    • @ekstralove1772
      @ekstralove1772 3 роки тому +17

      Education eliminates your being wrong. And free speech was present since ancient times. Not to all, but that is not the fault of the notion. The reason you need free speech is because you are privileged enough to assume you dont have enough. And most of the times you are wrong, because that's nature. Educated learn from mistakes.

    • @Lonewolf_1313
      @Lonewolf_1313 3 роки тому +2

      👍👍

  • @rougnashi
    @rougnashi 3 роки тому +32

    I JUST found out Star Talk was on YT. This is what I've been missing in my life. ❤

  • @ilmarilehmus965
    @ilmarilehmus965 3 роки тому +355

    Michael: "She can't be dead and alive at the same time"
    Schrödingers cat: "Hold my milk"

    • @jondunmore4268
      @jondunmore4268 3 роки тому +18

      A smart joke for a smart audience. Very serendipitous.

    • @nathanjasper512
      @nathanjasper512 3 роки тому +19

      Ha ha. Hold my milk but also don't hold it.

    • @ChrisPage68
      @ChrisPage68 3 роки тому +7

      @@nathanjasper512 Milk or no milk.

    • @jwb52z9
      @jwb52z9 3 роки тому +8

      When people try to make a joke like this, I always say, "Yes, science has said that superposition is true. The problem is that it is still literally impossible for 2 diametrically opposing things to both happen in a single reality". In other words, even if math and science say X is possible, it doesn't mean it physically possible in our reality.

    • @EsherT3k
      @EsherT3k 3 роки тому +9

      @@jwb52z9 I bet you're fun at parties.

  • @GuitarJeff
    @GuitarJeff 3 роки тому +112

    I am so glad your still doing this show here. Let's me know there are still sane and intelligent people out there. Some days I tell you.

    • @smitabhandari9327
      @smitabhandari9327 3 роки тому +2

      I fear one day they'll stop this because theres not enough support for them

    • @insane_troll
      @insane_troll 3 роки тому +5

      "you're" and "lets", not "your" and "let's"

    • @LaoZi2023
      @LaoZi2023 3 роки тому +2

      @@insane_troll , you're an insane troll!

  • @ewitherell7205
    @ewitherell7205 3 роки тому +12

    That's what is so frustrating about social media "conversations" is that most people don't want to know anything more- they want to be right! I find myself in situations with these people who attempt to school me when I'm still asking questions and then it ends when I realize that they really don't care what I think, don't want to know more, don't have any interest in skepticism, but they intend to insult me by letting me know how wrong I am! Gotta get back to real conversation hopefully after we get beyond this virus 😷.

  • @martinrippel9751
    @martinrippel9751 3 роки тому +23

    I have found that becoming comfortable with simply not knowing some ultimate explanation for things, has helped me become a much more contented person who enjoys simply being curious.

  • @whatdamath
    @whatdamath 3 роки тому +99

    small correction: 5G was pionered by NASA back in 2008 (not China) and was initially released in South Korea 2 years ago, which ironically also had one of the lowest COVID rates to date.

    • @tripmd310
      @tripmd310 3 роки тому +5

      what is with people thinking that 5G causes coronavirus? People don't contract covid19 from 5G. 5G compromises the immune system and causes cellular degeneration, reducing the ability to fight off such diseases and infections, potentially causing the mortality rates of such sicknesses to be elevated.

    • @marto7537
      @marto7537 3 роки тому +9

      @@tripmd310 Sometimes it is wise to give advise only if you understand the issue. So what in 5g hurts cells? Is it the wavelength, the frequency or the amplitude of these waves?

    • @ag-bf3ty
      @ag-bf3ty 3 роки тому +13

      @@tripmd310 How do photons thousands of times less energetic than visible light "compromise the immune system"?

    • @rollinmark8952
      @rollinmark8952 3 роки тому +2

      No need for a correction Anton, Neil was joking..

    • @NWCRYPTOADVISOR
      @NWCRYPTOADVISOR 3 роки тому +1

      What about gravity?!
      ua-cam.com/video/sFsPVvbw5dw/v-deo.html

  • @Corbain222
    @Corbain222 3 роки тому +307

    If I may “everything does happen for a reason, it just doesn’t happen for your reason”

    • @M3galodon
      @M3galodon 3 роки тому +32

      I think I can improve upon that: “everything does happen for a reason, it just doesn’t _necessarily_ happen for your reason”

    • @jamescrawley7993
      @jamescrawley7993 3 роки тому +9

      @@M3galodon I like it! Needs to be PRINTED on a T shirt!! Right!

    • @MerkDolf
      @MerkDolf 3 роки тому +2

      @ChronicAdaptor0420
      Yes everything has to happen for a reason, no one wants to believe that they are an accident.

    • @-8_8-
      @-8_8- 3 роки тому +2

      Not really. Unless you want to say the fact that things had to happen this way, and that's why we are here, is reason instead of effect.
      Also, reason, in this definition, is what you make. Reason is yours, it doesn't exist outside the brain. It's up to you to give reason to the world as you see it. It's one of the most powerful tools we have. To decide what's important and why.

    • @hoooty87
      @hoooty87 3 роки тому +3

      @Josh Thurman yes it's not everything happens for a reason the way ppl think of reason it's "everything that happens has cause and affect"

  • @Gundesalf
    @Gundesalf 3 роки тому +111

    People are often extraordinarily uncomfortable with uncertainty. It's so overwhelming not knowing that they will accept the word of anyone who claims to know, even if just supported by misinterpreted information, fallacies and even lies. People who say "We don't know" are unacceptable for them.
    The smartest, may not be comfortable with uncertainty either, but at least smart people prefer probabilities over absolute answers that can be flawed. Even if they fail, they will at least find comfort on knowing they tried their smartest best.
    Also, smart people are more likely to be fascinated when proven wrong. Learning is awesome.

    • @andrewolson5471
      @andrewolson5471 3 роки тому +15

      This seems generally true! I feel like I'm the exception, because I would rather have an "I don't know" answer over getting a BS answer.

    • @KynBleiddVI
      @KynBleiddVI 3 роки тому

      @@andrewolson5471 but atleast with a bs answer you can see where their thought pattern is and how they came to the conclusion

    • @x1tekja
      @x1tekja 3 роки тому +1

      It's something I've noticed seems to be embedded in our culture, there are both merits and certainly more pitfalls that can befall this line of reasoning. The hard part is figuring out who you can help and who just won't listen to you. And not that they will never learn but simply they need somebody else to restate it in a different fashion. I like how he went into the conversation about how not to try to sound condescending when trying to teach somebody on any topic. And it speaks to an idea that; it's just a matter of finding the right teacher and figuring out how people learn. And keeping in mind that the Socratic method can only go so far with certain individuals, otherwise you might go crazy.

    • @theresefotiou7097
      @theresefotiou7097 3 роки тому +3

      Soo--- "not knowing" is "so overwhelming that 'they' will accept the word of anyone who claims to know, even if just supported by [misinterpretation], fallacies, [or] lies". Are you referring to 'conspiracy theorists' when you say that? Or toMichael Shermer and his followers?

    • @Gundesalf
      @Gundesalf 3 роки тому +2

      @@theresefotiou7097 Conspiracy theories. I have no clue who Shermer is (yet). I'll look it up, though.
      Thanks.

  • @livliv4169
    @livliv4169 3 роки тому +6

    I so miss the Saturday morning Pinky and the Brain cartoon show that I used to watch religiously!!! I miss the more simple days of cartoon relief for our natural skepticism, unanswerable questions and imagination!

    • @paulvamos7319
      @paulvamos7319 2 роки тому +1

      Watch the Simpsons! I swear that Matt Goring was a time traveler!

    • @claykeough7898
      @claykeough7898 Рік тому

      Well said! I miss quality entertainment in general. The 80s n 90s really had stacks of it in many genres that kept my mind creative and now I just shake my head at most of it as preaching, regurgitated, cringe worthy, tone def nonsense because creators can't create anymore without checking so many boxes. 😫

  • @thoughtsbeforesleep
    @thoughtsbeforesleep 3 роки тому +9

    I had my UA-cam autoplay turned on and it brought me here. I guess the UA-cam algorithm knew how much I would love it :)

  • @ogray9927
    @ogray9927 3 роки тому +54

    I'm a simple man. I wake up. I bake up. And I watch StarTalk.

    • @dyronanthony284
      @dyronanthony284 3 роки тому +4

      We brothers man !

    • @IjsBlice
      @IjsBlice 2 роки тому +2

      Sharing is caring

    • @paulvamos7319
      @paulvamos7319 2 роки тому +2

      If everyone on Earth smoked a joint and binge watched Star Talk, there would be world peace followed by world famine because, Munchies are killer man! XD
      Puff, puff........

  • @anthonydavis4829
    @anthonydavis4829 3 роки тому +117

    Neil, you're a true genius and a great educator. Chuck, you're a great wingman.

    • @SidequestPrinting
      @SidequestPrinting 3 роки тому +4

      Ahh why you gotta do Chuck like that... 😂

    • @bigcity2085
      @bigcity2085 3 роки тому

      Heck yeah. But I don't think we got anywhere,really. We didn't solve nor answer....anything; we just highlighted the questions.

    • @HVYContent
      @HVYContent 3 роки тому +6

      Nah Chuck adds the picante to the knowledge chili

    • @ActionJackson669
      @ActionJackson669 3 роки тому +2

      @@HVYContent mmmmm, knowledge chili

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому +1

      They balance each other well

  • @cyclingnerddelux698
    @cyclingnerddelux698 3 роки тому +24

    "Your freedom to swing your arm ends at my nose." Pure gold.

  • @jtknutson8775
    @jtknutson8775 Рік тому

    Was a fan of shermer for a long time, used regularly buy skeptic magazine. Forgot about him. Glad to find him again. Especially now

  • @jarrettludolph6000
    @jarrettludolph6000 3 роки тому +72

    This is the best astrophysics/science UA-cam channel.

    • @ragamuffin4907
      @ragamuffin4907 3 роки тому +2

      Other than Vsause

    • @purelife6846
      @purelife6846 3 роки тому +4

      @@ragamuffin4907 no still the best.

    • @matttthewcheng
      @matttthewcheng 3 роки тому

      @@purelife6846 AcapellaScience: Hold my Entropic Time.
      *Just personal opinion. I wanted to be part of the conversation.

    • @IjsBlice
      @IjsBlice 2 роки тому

      It's awesome but science festival's channel is pretty dope too

  • @spencerlaplata3960
    @spencerlaplata3960 3 роки тому +18

    YES I'm so glad you're doing a series of segments on this topic!!! Thank you!!!

  • @DarkKnux09
    @DarkKnux09 3 роки тому +3

    This REALLY deserves more views... more people have to listen to this discussion so they can remember what being fair, really means. A lot of people have to start critically thinking, no matter how scared you are. It's important to hear every side before you cast any kind of judgement, and to understand that both sides should respect each other, at least in some degree.

    • @dont_test_me_bish
      @dont_test_me_bish 2 роки тому +1

      Odd, I heard a few arrogant old guys chuckling like they had all the answers and anyone who though otherwise was a conspiracy theorist lunatic.

  • @susiehulcher1494
    @susiehulcher1494 3 роки тому +41

    “You are not free to drive on the left side of the road”… Perfect comeback to anyone spouting ‘Muricuh!’

    • @ChrisPage68
      @ChrisPage68 3 роки тому +1

      We aren't free to drive on the left - it's the law here in the UK. 😉

    • @sleeper_san619
      @sleeper_san619 3 роки тому +4

      Sounds like someone who would rather pretend the other side doesn't exist rather than have an adult conversation about what we believe is right.

    • @kikevallezburgh8884
      @kikevallezburgh8884 3 роки тому

      Nothing more pathetically ignorant than still falling for that right wing left wing paradygm!!!

    • @georgecisneros5281
      @georgecisneros5281 3 роки тому

      Or left road, right road, in this case.😂

    • @Israelart25
      @Israelart25 3 роки тому +1

      Although I don’t reccomend it, Yes I am. I’m not a person, I’m a living man. The only two laws I need to follow are, “love they neighbor” and “love thy creator” look up person and man in black law dictionary

  • @ogray9927
    @ogray9927 3 роки тому +144

    Love the painting of Christopher Hitchens behind Michael.

    • @69T57
      @69T57 3 роки тому +5

      Actually it's Larry Flynt

    • @BlackEpyon
      @BlackEpyon 3 роки тому +3

      @@69T57 Similar, but no. That's Hitch.

    • @karlitasilva7083
      @karlitasilva7083 3 роки тому

      I know right! who you think Is the one on top? Sam Harris?

    • @AbsenceOfLogic
      @AbsenceOfLogic 3 роки тому

      @@karlitasilva7083 I'm guessing that's his shrine (😛) to the "Four Horsemen of the Non-Apocalypse". Dennett and Dawkins are potentially opposite of the portraits of Harris and Hitchens. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism#%22Four_Horsemen%22

    • @sectionq1
      @sectionq1 3 роки тому

      Was just about to ask if it was lol Thanks!

  • @jarrettludolph6000
    @jarrettludolph6000 3 роки тому +111

    Neil Degrasse Tyson AND Micheal Shermer in the same video, I'm in.

  • @stevedrake6529
    @stevedrake6529 2 роки тому

    One of the few people that Tyson can’t interrupt every 10 seconds. That’s very refreshing

  • @jezzter4293
    @jezzter4293 3 роки тому +2

    Wow, my first time watching StarTalk. Great conversation very inspiring. I’m a huge fan of Dr Tyson in astrophysics, his skills go far beyond that 🖐

  • @karl4601
    @karl4601 3 роки тому +77

    The Hitchens poster behind Michael is definitely nostalgic.

    • @69T57
      @69T57 3 роки тому +2

      That's not Hitchens it's Larry Flynt

    • @rikkifurey5670
      @rikkifurey5670 3 роки тому +3

      I have a lot of hitch's books and I miss his talks and I miss his witt and his calm way of taking idiots to pieces lol

    • @tofu8688
      @tofu8688 3 роки тому +5

      @@69T57 Not true, it's Mr.Hitchens on the bottom

  • @jakecruise90
    @jakecruise90 3 роки тому +55

    Love that Hitches painting on the left.

    • @michaelwells6378
      @michaelwells6378 3 роки тому +2

      Was about to point that out as well!

    • @chriselrod1733
      @chriselrod1733 3 роки тому +3

      THANK YOU! It was driving me crazy...I knew it was somebody I knew but I was drawing a blank. I can't believe I couldn't come up with it! Fml...alzheimers setting in.

    • @craigdougan8484
      @craigdougan8484 3 роки тому

      Does anyone know the artist?

    • @ricardoalmeida4719
      @ricardoalmeida4719 3 роки тому +1

      Yep. And Sam Harris above him.

  • @cvchaparro
    @cvchaparro 3 роки тому +2

    I'd love to hear a discussion about COVID-19 between Neil and Bret Weinstein.

  • @riccochettv8638
    @riccochettv8638 3 роки тому +23

    I love this show. Let me add that our government has laid the red carpet for conspiracy theories.

    • @Ambersdf
      @Ambersdf 3 роки тому +1

      yup!

    • @Buzz-rh4dz
      @Buzz-rh4dz 3 роки тому +1

      Ever wonder why they've done that?

    • @AA-vr8ez
      @AA-vr8ez 2 роки тому +2

      conspiracy theories are what low IQ people use to explain things too complex for them to understand.

  • @todddougherty9492
    @todddougherty9492 3 роки тому +33

    Chuck Nice even though I’m here for Dr. Tyson, I do love everything you bring to this channel. 🍺

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому

      Yes he adds much needed comic relief to break up things that can often get monotonous

    • @barbaralachance5836
      @barbaralachance5836 2 роки тому

      Chuck is absolutely essential to startalk ❤️

  • @godiragetsenooi1910
    @godiragetsenooi1910 3 роки тому +62

    Neil...
    My favourite astrophysicist 🙂

  • @thenobleone-3384
    @thenobleone-3384 3 роки тому +8

    September 11th changed my way of thinking. That was a scary day. I was only 10 yrs old at the time. Not only that Hurricane Katrina.

    • @chriskroll2279
      @chriskroll2279 3 роки тому

      Yeah. No plane hit building 7 and it didn't epstien itself at free fall speed. There was no WMDs found in Iraq and Gain of function Dr. Fauxchi funded wuhan. Plenty of conspiracy without the theory.

  • @andyhughes1776
    @andyhughes1776 3 роки тому +5

    "We wish to find the truth, no matter where it lies. But to find the truth we need imagination and skepticism both. We will not be afraid to speculate, but we will be careful to distinguish speculation from fact." - Carl Sagan

  • @ragamuffin4907
    @ragamuffin4907 3 роки тому +223

    "When a rocket blows up on the launchpad, it's not a failure it's an experiment rich in data". 5 stars to that

    • @thomaslane1547
      @thomaslane1547 3 роки тому +3

      It is if you recorded the telemetry.

    • @svsguru2000
      @svsguru2000 3 роки тому +17

      The people inside the rocket may disagree.

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +2

      @@svsguru2000 only like, two rockets have exploded with passengers, they are talking about cargo rockets that only carry sattelites

    • @100GTAGUY
      @100GTAGUY 3 роки тому +7

      It's still a failure, you just were able to learn from said failure.

    • @BraveCat9927
      @BraveCat9927 3 роки тому +5

      @@100GTAGUY Yea they sure like to use a lot of buzz words that end up changing the context to a less realistic one. A rocket blowing up on the pad is not an experiment rich in data, like you said its a failure to be learned from. A successful experiment will mostly always be rich in data, no?

  • @Kensworld28
    @Kensworld28 3 роки тому +73

    Smart people humor is the best type of humor! Love these guys man

    • @kikevallezburgh8884
      @kikevallezburgh8884 3 роки тому +1

      Until you start to actually think for yourself and find out that these types are full of themselves???

    • @whatisglife
      @whatisglife 3 роки тому

      Same ‼️

    • @padgaidgeorge7388
      @padgaidgeorge7388 3 роки тому +1

      Not a conspiracy theorist but these ppl sure sound like sheeple , just repeating wots on MSM

    • @dennisbergstrom2109
      @dennisbergstrom2109 3 роки тому

      Until you realize that there is a difference between smart and having a degree

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому

      @@StellarSurge cool story bro

  • @arjenbootsma6881
    @arjenbootsma6881 3 роки тому +4

    Nice touch in Michael Shermer's background: a portrait of Christopher Hitchens!

  • @boxfan6656
    @boxfan6656 3 роки тому +3

    This is one of the programs which announces commercial breaks. UA-cam's AI seems to be unaware of these breaks and would rather interrupt NdGT mid-sentence, but not the other speakers. . . .

  • @kilomilo917
    @kilomilo917 3 роки тому +46

    This is a very informative series on the coronavirus.

  • @wetbreadstickcapo8507
    @wetbreadstickcapo8507 3 роки тому +141

    I wonder what everyone will think 100 years from now learning about this in 5th grade social studies

    • @yt_baphomet
      @yt_baphomet 3 роки тому +25

      They will say 135,000+ were dead before their leader wore a mask and some people denied a virus' existence as it affected millions.

    • @beaker8111
      @beaker8111 3 роки тому +8

      I also wonder what a post-apocalyptic 5th grade class will look like...

    • @gyozakeynsianism
      @gyozakeynsianism 3 роки тому +8

      ^ a comment on a video called "Coronavirus & Conspiracy Theories" ^

    • @shawnwales696
      @shawnwales696 3 роки тому +2

      They will refer to this as "the crazy times".

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +1

      @@Huge_Echman um

  • @brian9731
    @brian9731 3 роки тому +2

    Many conspiracy theorists don't think they're conspiracy theorists. I was working with a colleague who has all sorts of conspiracy ideas and actually said, "I don't want to get all conspiratorial ..."

  • @marianwhit
    @marianwhit 3 роки тому +33

    I tend to be somewhat immune to conspiracy theory, but the whole smart meter and inching towards surveillance capitalism thing gives me the creeps. I would so love to see the discussion of these issues...a lot of the other claims about smart meters seem to be bunk, but seeing how China is squashing Hong Kong and suppressing its minorities is pretty worrisome. It seems like we are tossing data about ourselves, privacy, and ability to move anonymously aside, but free to be utterly awful and mean to each other via the perceived anonymity of the internet.

    • @CMKloser
      @CMKloser 3 роки тому +7

      Never assume you are immune to anything. Keep asking questions and think for yourself. Truth should never be afraid of investigation, it should only lead to a greater truth. I know I will never have all the answers, but I always question my reality.

    • @nmarbletoe8210
      @nmarbletoe8210 3 роки тому

      I think there's thing we could call paradoxical paranoia. It's paranoia, but if we weren't paranoid, it would be real.
      .

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому

      Immune to conspiracy theories means you are a sheep, in the purest sense of the word. You cannot think for yourself or think outside the box. You must follow society's "norm" and believe everything the government and media tells you. I'm not saying every theory is true, or that even half of them are. I'm saying to be open minded and stop being indoctrinated.

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому

      @@CMKloser exactly

    • @damianpos8832
      @damianpos8832 3 роки тому

      @@CMKloser right so why not just host a podcast with someone on the same skill level who disagrees about covid ?...You know to debunked them in real-time. THAt would be helpful in a fight against conspiracies....but i geuss cenzorship is the way to go

  • @alejandrooos1
    @alejandrooos1 3 роки тому +66

    The best way to avoid conspiracy theories is through education and research

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +5

      Conspiracy theorists are educated and do research, it's often to do with childhood problems like divorce, and any research they do is on sketchy websites and after that any real research they do is biased

    • @flavius7524
      @flavius7524 3 роки тому +9

      @@spacedout4061 It's not really research if it's biased, it's just an attempt to prove that you are right regardless of reality

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +6

      @@flavius7524 precisely, but they call it research anyway. I have seen the same thing with Christians, only using a single site to explain to you why they are right, despite the site being obviously biased and so are they

    • @alejandrooos1
      @alejandrooos1 3 роки тому +2

      @@spacedout4061 but thats not research. they are using the word "research" but not really applying it, therefore is not research

    • @jakecostanza802
      @jakecostanza802 3 роки тому +6

      No Regrets divorce makes you believe in conspiracy theories... are you just a joker?

  • @carlosvence
    @carlosvence 3 роки тому +4

    Watching your MasterClass Ad before watching Star Talk, Love it!

  • @Zagy21
    @Zagy21 3 роки тому +2

    The more I listen to Star Talk the more I like Chuk’s jokes.

  • @uhlsome2784
    @uhlsome2784 3 роки тому +2

    Every time Chuck plugs the Patrion Patrons for being their sponsors, I always get a baseball commentator vibe. Best voice 😁

  • @ejmtv3
    @ejmtv3 3 роки тому +5

    Right on the spot on the Free Country mentality! As a non-American it was a total CRINGE for us to throw that free country card on everything just because you dont want to obey.

  • @MrDnB89
    @MrDnB89 3 роки тому +17

    The belief that people change their mind through rational debate is so delusional. Some people are so far gone that ignoring them, or not platforming them, is the only answer.

    • @ishe728
      @ishe728 3 роки тому +2

      I believe that but it is still worth to debate with them sometimes, you may learn something from them or at least a bit of why they are that way. If it gets nasty then your not going to get anywhere with them though.

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +3

      Many conspiracy theorists unfortunately are too far gone and refuse to believe anything

    • @the-outsider
      @the-outsider 3 роки тому +3

      That may be right at times but if you don't try to have an open discussion with someone you will never know if they are in any way able to change their mind or not. You can't just lump everyone you don't agree with as too far gone to talk to, that just makes you no more willing to take on new points of view as you think they are.

    • @SanPeacefam
      @SanPeacefam 3 роки тому

      @@wasdwasdedsf Everyone has a right to beleive in themselves.
      But to preach about something without evidence isn't going to help anyone.
      And to disregard other people who are talking based on their perspective's evidence is just dumb.
      There's a massive community of science providing it's evidence of truth.
      I'm not saying it can't be proven otherwise one day..
      But in order to see what's most likely true.. you have to try to believe what someone with evidence says until you prove them otherwise.
      And that's when debates come in..
      Where we should discuss ideas on change of opposing ideas. When we both have evidence.
      And ww should essentially, eventually, conclude to a sounding argument by listening to each other.
      But nothing works when no one listens to each other or show love.. or better yet.
      Peace.

    • @kikevallezburgh8884
      @kikevallezburgh8884 3 роки тому +1

      Let's start with this hypocritical example of shameless bias??? Kool!!

  • @chris123chris82
    @chris123chris82 2 роки тому

    These guys are incredibly entertaining all while being extremely educational. My favorite UA-cam channel for sure

  • @omarlors
    @omarlors 3 роки тому +11

    Wow, Neil deGrasse Tyson interrupted a lot less than usual in this video, I guess he really respects Michael Shermer

    • @pnut3844able
      @pnut3844able 3 роки тому +2

      Well the topic is also outside of his wheelhouse

  • @VladSWG
    @VladSWG 3 роки тому +40

    Michael Shermer has a rendering of Christopher Hitchens on the wall behind him. Smart, smart man. I approve 👍 👌 🖖💖

    • @oscar24x
      @oscar24x 3 роки тому +3

      Yes. I approve too!

    • @jaybabcock4612
      @jaybabcock4612 3 роки тому

      Ooooohhh. I thought it was Tony Soprano, which was baffling...

    • @bradweir6993
      @bradweir6993 3 роки тому

      Sam Harris above?🙄

    • @martingarcia1723
      @martingarcia1723 3 роки тому

      i'm gonna go with Tony Acosta and say it's Larry Flint

    • @labbeaj
      @labbeaj 3 роки тому

      Who the heck is Christopher Hitchens and why should I care?

  • @isabelab6851
    @isabelab6851 3 роки тому +38

    You can’t be alive and dead at the same time...what about Schoedinger’s cat? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 silly humor! This is a great topic!

    • @johnfarmer3506
      @johnfarmer3506 3 роки тому +1

      According to emergent view you can. If no one is observing does the tree falling make a sound.

    • @joshuamccarroll2188
      @joshuamccarroll2188 3 роки тому +1

      what if you're undead ?? - Can you really turn up missing though ??

    • @jakemoeller7850
      @jakemoeller7850 3 роки тому +2

      Isabel, I thought the same when I heard that.

    • @lachazaroony
      @lachazaroony 3 роки тому +4

      Schrodinger*

    • @isabelab6851
      @isabelab6851 3 роки тому +2

      lachazaroony thank you! I do not always check what is being spelled (a bit small for my old eyes). Now that you point it out...yes..it is not spelled right.

  • @Rallik
    @Rallik 3 роки тому +4

    this was so lovely, thank you very much! :) thoroughly enjoyed

  • @Slavecutter
    @Slavecutter 3 роки тому +150

    I firmly believe that all the people in this video' aren't wearing pants.

    • @angrymanspeaks
      @angrymanspeaks 3 роки тому +2

      Sorry. I don't know how to get your name to come up correctly. I assume your name is pronounced Michile, or mi-ki-el, or the like.

    • @gino1876
      @gino1876 3 роки тому +4

      That's a conspiracy!

    • @LaoZi2023
      @LaoZi2023 3 роки тому +1

      @@angrymanspeaks , He'S a Russian 'bot, don't fall for his conspiracies!

    • @jaybenka8595
      @jaybenka8595 3 роки тому +4

      No pants but still more intelligent than 90 percent of us...

    • @victorbuster1
      @victorbuster1 3 роки тому

      now that's just logic

  • @alexanderjames5689
    @alexanderjames5689 3 роки тому +3

    This is connecting a lot of dots for me, Ive been thinking a lot about belief systems and information in 2020 And how you can literally believe anything to be true

  • @akifnobody318
    @akifnobody318 3 роки тому +7

    Is there any country other than America where people actually fight over wearing masks in the middle of a global Pandemic?

    • @ericpelletier7721
      @ericpelletier7721 3 роки тому +2

      Akif Awakened there is also a lot here in Canada. I think you can safely assume it’s the case basically everywhere.

    • @hlr3932
      @hlr3932 3 роки тому +1

      oh ya, lots of places. Maybe they don't say it out loud , but would be passive-aggressive about it!!

    • @OneBiteoftheCherry
      @OneBiteoftheCherry 3 роки тому

      Hmm, I think a lot of people are moaning here in England, but I think that's mainly because it's only just been put in place...4 months in to a pandemic.

    • @Haribon221
      @Haribon221 3 роки тому +1

      In my country rather than fighting over it some people would just sneakily not wear a mask and only wear them when authorities are around.

  • @delicitymd6670
    @delicitymd6670 3 роки тому +1

    Honestly one of the best episodes I’ve watched in awhile (not saying I didn’t enjoy the previous ones) few questions and lots of big brain talk

  • @hurley3000gt
    @hurley3000gt 3 роки тому

    In all my years of listening to Tyson, I've never seen him act so respectfully with someone he is talking with than Shermer here

  • @rayb1091
    @rayb1091 3 роки тому +6

    You said it right. People forget that their rights ends where someone else rights began.

    • @damianpos8832
      @damianpos8832 3 роки тому

      well, the problem is that you have been incriminated into thinking, that any kind of risk no matter how minuscule is worthy of abolishing freedom and individual responsibility in favor of a big government solution for your benefit ..but carry on pretending you can use any kind of critical thinking

  • @davidt3956
    @davidt3956 3 роки тому +12

    While most conspiracy theories are nonsense, but never forget that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you...

    • @AhatiMaat
      @AhatiMaat 3 роки тому +2

      theres nothing conspiracy about a theory

  • @janusatthegate6201
    @janusatthegate6201 3 роки тому +1

    Learning how to communicate honestly is like learning how to teach. It's a talent.

  • @smallstudiodesign
    @smallstudiodesign 3 роки тому +1

    My two favourite guys! T&N : Tyson & Nice!

  • @Chris-hx3om
    @Chris-hx3om 3 роки тому +11

    I work in diagnostics, and diagnostics is as much about find out what is/does work as finding what doesn't...

  • @lackofwords
    @lackofwords 3 роки тому +4

    @2:00 At first I thought that was a really impressive water droplet gloss decal on the cover of the book...

  • @edwilembameg6077
    @edwilembameg6077 3 роки тому

    I like Michael Shermer’s way of engaging these serious issues with a light touch of Sarcasm yet pointed arguments.

  • @erinmcginnis4991
    @erinmcginnis4991 3 роки тому +2

    Great episode. As always, I learned alot. Thank you

  • @BlairCoron
    @BlairCoron 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you StarTalk for being the voice of reason in these times

  • @LeilaKincaid
    @LeilaKincaid 3 роки тому +17

    Yes! I heard that Blue Oyster Cult song in my head and was so happy to see Chuck mention it! LOL

    • @AlexMartinez-dc4pe
      @AlexMartinez-dc4pe 3 роки тому +1

      Same here 👍

    • @mojavedesert5896
      @mojavedesert5896 3 роки тому

      Hats off to Chuck for the BOC reference! BOC - a band of numerous science and space themes in their songs.

  • @shexec32
    @shexec32 3 роки тому +2

    I side with Chuck on the "Method of Teaching Science" segment (37:28-39:10). Even if it were possible (and it isn't) to teach Science as just a list of non-chronological facts, there will always be room to accommodate new discoveries & results into your scientific brain, and your demonstration of being able to accommodate new theories represents a teachable moment to your students on just how the scientific method works.
    When I was taking science classes in the late 90s, there were all kinds of new discoveries (the cloning of Dolly the Sheep, the Human Genome Project, Mad Cow Disease, the discovery of the Top Quark, neutrino mass, new states of matter) made which conflicted with the content of my textbooks. I was able to incorporate these new ideas thanks to the Chuck Nice method of teaching discoveries.

  • @lifeisajokerick
    @lifeisajokerick 3 роки тому +1

    I love Neil's master class ad!! I just wanted to express that.

  • @7divad37
    @7divad37 3 роки тому +3

    I'm surprised the Neill says at 6:23 "you need free speech to combat conspiracy theories". I believe that conspiracy theories can only flourish where free speech exists.
    I am a huge believer in conspiracy theories, as they become a gateway to a field of research that I would not have gone down in my normal life, hence expanding my knowledge,
    and interests in different subjects.
    If someone was to call me a conspiracy theorist as a derogatory term, I simply ask them: How many buildings collapsed in New York on 9/11?
    Strangely enough, the few people who I have asked that question, do not know the correct answer, so conversation over.... They are welcome to educate themselves on the answer.

  • @Jay-om8gr
    @Jay-om8gr 3 роки тому +3

    Faucci and the surgeon general clearly said masks don’t work. It was more than the supply chain issue. And the surgeon general tried explaining it away a week ago and failed epically

    • @gyozakeynsianism
      @gyozakeynsianism 3 роки тому +6

      They along with many other scientists said masks aren't particularly effective protecting the wearer. They ARE particularly effective protecting other people if you carry the virus (which might be the case even if you don't have any symptoms).

  • @urieowrjdf
    @urieowrjdf 3 роки тому

    I did not like the title of this show....but I really am happy I watched it. Great show!

  • @karenbroberts1774
    @karenbroberts1774 3 роки тому +1

    I love that you say Mr. Tyson “you care about people and who they are.” Rather you try to engage, than talk down to them. I already have great respect for you but that just made me see you as an enlightened human being. Thank you for a great discussion challenging one to stretch and grow.

  • @tomiloger2910
    @tomiloger2910 3 роки тому +3

    The first thing that caught my eye is Hitche's portrait...Great episode by the way!

  • @dieseldogg8004
    @dieseldogg8004 10 місяців тому +3

    Revisit your Corona virus conspiracy theory segment. What a difference a few years makes.

  • @ryanjohnwisniewski599
    @ryanjohnwisniewski599 3 роки тому +1

    Interesting conversation. I enjoyed alot of what was said before the end.

  • @Jempath
    @Jempath 3 роки тому +2

    Conspiracies are truths that people do not want to accept!

  • @guyterry1
    @guyterry1 3 роки тому +6

    The science DID change regarding the CDC's mask recommendation. They always recommended that infected individuals wear a mask to protect others from infection. What changed was the scientific realization that asymptomatic individuals (or at least individuals who do not recognize their symptoms of infection) were spreading COVID. Once that was clear, the recommendation was made that everyone mask, as no individual is aware of their own infectious status, as a means of protection others as if the individual is actually infected.

    • @ianhennessy3161
      @ianhennessy3161 3 роки тому +3

      Then the WHO says that asymptomatic transmission is unlikely. Not saying we don't need to wear masks, there is apparently a distinction between asymptomatic and presymtomatic.

    • @gyozakeynsianism
      @gyozakeynsianism 3 роки тому +1

      There was also the idea that your average masks won't protect the person who is wearing it from others' coughs and sneezes carrying the virus. And also the fact that because the US federal government didn't use its powers to ramp up production of PPE, there were shortages of masks, so governments were actively telling people NOT to buy masks.
      Now it's about masks being community efforts to prevent transmission. Your mask is for me and my mask is for you, etc.
      That's a lot of evolution in a short period of time, but that's how things go sometimes.

    • @Jay-om8gr
      @Jay-om8gr 3 роки тому +2

      Explain this: why does Neil and other true scientists never mention real scientific studies that prove that cloth, surgical, and n95 masks are not effective. Univ of minn has very very in-depth information on this but people ignore these studies and say just believe whatever the man in the suit says

    • @davidbradley2316
      @davidbradley2316 3 роки тому +2

      @@Jay-om8gr Because they are perpetuating the narrative that we should wear masks. A majority of the studies supporting masks efficacy are not Randomized controlled trials...which are considered to provide the strongest evidence. I think this is all a big experiment to learn how easy it is to manipulate and control the population. Something much bigger and worse than COVID-19 is coming. This is only the beginning

    • @flavius7524
      @flavius7524 3 роки тому

      @@davidbradley2316 There is nothing to learn, it is a known fact that masses are easy to control, at least the uneducated "know-it-all" mass of people. Even if the efficiency of masks isn't very high, it is enough to mitigate a considerable amount of damage, but the sad fact is that many people don't even put it correctly, at least in my country. There are many (especially old, but not only) people that put it just on the mouth, or take it away when they speak, so that can be an important factor too.

  • @donaldaribam
    @donaldaribam 3 роки тому +3

    The way Shermer answers every question by diverting it to an area he is about familiar with.

  • @retiweisberg7906
    @retiweisberg7906 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the amazing video. Loved the humor too.

  • @lennoxgordon6557
    @lennoxgordon6557 3 роки тому

    Wonderful discussions as usual between you and your guest speaker. I would like to hear from Dr. Lanka (German research doctor) on the protocols used in isolating this particular virus. This has been a particular concern given the obvious rush to develop a vaccine in an environment of so many uncertainties/ unknowns.

  • @seandoc8463
    @seandoc8463 3 роки тому +4

    As a British chess champion I approve of the cover of this bloke's book.

  • @ninatrentham8908
    @ninatrentham8908 3 роки тому +26

    Are you in your “jammies” Neil?
    Nice!

  • @troythegreat7369
    @troythegreat7369 3 роки тому +2

    Y'all are down to earth awesome.

  • @arubaguy2733
    @arubaguy2733 Рік тому +2

    Surely two years later, the ideas and opinions expressed may just have radically changed.

  • @keepmoving1185
    @keepmoving1185 3 роки тому +4

    Eddie Bravo needs a chill pill

  • @mozuesolympian2988
    @mozuesolympian2988 3 роки тому +32

    I will never download raid shadow legends

  • @tyresemvuna4831
    @tyresemvuna4831 3 роки тому

    8:37 "Hey don't lump me in with craziss"😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @madskater5
    @madskater5 2 роки тому +1

    “You can’t drive on the left side of the road”
    Me, listening during a drive in Japan 👀

  • @LokiDWolf
    @LokiDWolf 3 роки тому +5

    Great conversation about conspiracies, lies, truths, science and perception about the world's current event: COVID-19.
    And VERY recent!

  • @Chris-hx3om
    @Chris-hx3om 3 роки тому +7

    "The minute you believe there's someone is behind the scenes pulling the strings"... It's called 'going down the rabbit hole'...

    • @arandom1024
      @arandom1024 3 роки тому +3

      The problem is that most of the time that "rabbit hole" doesn't exist, unfortunately there are just the right amount of genuine rabbit holes where conspiracy theories can't/shouldn't be dismissed outright.

    • @spacedout4061
      @spacedout4061 3 роки тому +2

      @@arandom1024 unfortunately there are still theories that can be disproved and dismissed pretty easily due to overwhelming evidence to the contrary, for example, the flat earth conspiracy

    • @ice9snowflake187
      @ice9snowflake187 3 роки тому +2

      If you have to suppose something exists for which you have no evidence or indication, that must exist in order for your theoretical conspiracy to exist, then the conspiracy probably doesn't exist.

    • @randyx007
      @randyx007 3 роки тому +2

      @@ice9snowflake187 is it not plausible that we let 911 happen to invade a foreign country (that had nothing to do with it) lol?

    • @ice9snowflake187
      @ice9snowflake187 3 роки тому

      @@randyx007 It's plausible, but there's more to it. Anyway what's the point, by now?

  • @NeatOner_
    @NeatOner_ 2 роки тому

    You are the 🐐 MR Tyson
    Thank you for always spreading the truth and raising awareness 🙏🏼

  • @deucefoAM206
    @deucefoAM206 3 роки тому

    Skepticism has been stigmatized to be synonymous with contrarianism. Actual philosophical skepticism just means waiting for more information and understanding that your perspective will always be limited. It's the exercise of temperance and knowing that you could find out that your wrong at any moment. It also allows for greater conviction because you know you aren't being deliberately ignorant. And if you were being accidentally ignorant, then you're open to changing that as well.

  • @smackfanxion
    @smackfanxion 3 роки тому +9

    BigBrains: "Freedumb means I can do whatever I want."
    Me: "Learn to fly."

  • @BikerBenny
    @BikerBenny 3 роки тому +21

    Why would doctors and nurses make testimony videos saying how very wrongly the viruse is and was handled????

    • @igorrodrigues7382
      @igorrodrigues7382 3 роки тому +6

      @@adsotbraz I don't know where your knowledge comes from, but until you have a covid-19 case in your family you shouldn't talk like you're the master of information.

    • @adsotbraz
      @adsotbraz 3 роки тому +4

      @@igorrodrigues7382 ... Nobody in my family will ever get a virus that does not exist.

    • @fighting_nerdy
      @fighting_nerdy 3 роки тому +1

      I've had it. You'll all get it eventually. Doesn't mean we stop living the way we want to.

    • @ARandomInternetUser08
      @ARandomInternetUser08 3 роки тому +1

      @@igorrodrigues7382 this virus is so overblown. I haven't met a single person online and none of those people ever mentioned anyone they knew had it, besides a couple people. If there really were as many cases and deaths as they indoctrinate us with, then you think I would've seen more.

    • @Medietos
      @Medietos 3 роки тому +3

      @@adsotbraz Yes, although it does exist and is slightly worse than earlier seasonal flus. I had it unknowingly, for 4 weeks, believing ti to be Smart-Meter disease (I had not informed myself about the c. for certain reasons)and have never had anything so strange or been that sick with the flu. High temp and never-ending DRY-cough, with the sensation as though there were a big something in my chest. We have corona and other vira inside us all the time, and research shows masks do not protect (of course), but on the contrary makes us more susceptible to catch it, by decreasing the Oxygen intake needed for life and elimination of toxins like vira. It also impacts us psychologically negative, as you say, as does the social isolation which also weakens immune defense.. Healthy ppl are to be out and about, quarantaine is for the sick. The old who have díed from deadly diseases got worse from the flu, like always happens, although they did not die from it, which is falsely spread.
      When people live naturally with healthy habits , they have a strong immune defense that can withstand c. and other vira and bacteria.

  • @sethnofcks6448
    @sethnofcks6448 3 роки тому +1

    End political corruption and end media monopolies and maybe one day things will be trusted again..

  • @aliciadinar1600
    @aliciadinar1600 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this amazing episode gentlemen.
    So Shermer brought up an interesting point. Those of religious beliefs, or spiritual faiths all have a common expression: "everything happens for a reason".
    My question then is, does that imply that sciences' core philosophy is the opposite of that: that everything is simply a coincidence/has no set philosophical reason?

    • @seandoc8463
      @seandoc8463 3 роки тому

      Yes, this has been proven.

  • @worer850
    @worer850 3 роки тому +4

    That building 7 free fall collapse always had me scratching my head. No plane hit it . .. just saying Shermer

  • @jaybajan
    @jaybajan 3 роки тому +13

    Neil wearing that grandpapa pimping robe. Lol flexing

  • @maddie9185
    @maddie9185 3 роки тому +1

    I agree a healthy amount of skepticism is normal but don’t go crazy down the rabbit hole.

  • @dr_santiana
    @dr_santiana 3 роки тому

    Great episode for Chuck (sorry for my lousy english)!